Barcelona ‘lower asking price’ for Frenkie de Jong and other Manchester United rumours

Barcelona are reportedly willing to reach a compromise with Manchester United and agree a £70m fee, plus add-ons, for Frenkie de Jong.

The Spanish giants had slapped a £85m price tag on their player but are having to rethink their stance amid their money worries. The club are thought to have debts of around £850m meaning they could be forced to sell a number of their key players in order to operate under La Liga finance rules.

The Manchester Evening News previously reported that De Jong is Erik ten Hag’s top transfer target. And although De Jong has admitted that his preference is to stay at the Nou Camp, the midfielder has accepted the current situation at Barcelona and is thought to be open to a reunion with his former Ajax boss.

READ MORE: Manchester United have four midfield alternatives if they cannot sign Frenkie de Jong

United, though, are said to be on the verge of considering other options if Barcelona remain stubborn in their asking price. But now, Sport reports that they are willing to meet at £70m but will go no lower than £60m, so as not to incur a loss. The two clubs remain in talks.

Meanwhile, Gazzetta dello Sport report that United have registered an interest in Stefan de Vrij. The club were reportedly keeping tabs on Inter Milan team mate Alessandro Bastoni until his agent announced the player would be staying at the San Siro.

Jurrien Timber still remains Erik ten Hag’s preferred target but De Vrij is being seen as the next best thing, and so it's claimed the club will monitor his situation. It reports Timber is reconsidering a move to a new team with his place in the Netherlands’ World Cup squad in mind.

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